Male lifts LASCO/NAJ Nursing Student of the Year Award for first time

Desmond Campbell Jr was on Saturday named winner of the LASCO/Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ) Nursing Student of the Year (NSOY) 2018-19 during an awards luncheon at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.

Campbell Jr is the first male nursing student to earn the title since the award's conception.

Campbell Jr, who is a student of the University of the West Indies School of Nursing (UWISON), displayed youthful exuberance as he collected the champion trophy, along with a cash prize of $100,000. He is described by his peers as involved, hard working, and dedicated to the cause of health.

The young nurse in training was recently placed on the Dean's List and was recognised for Outstanding Academic Performance for the 2016-2017 academic year. He has been involved in coordinating numerous projects, including campus-wide health awareness presentations, fundraisers, and seminars. He is recognised by colleagues as being committed to uplifting and inspiring his community.

The first runner-up for the award was Rushelle McFarlane, a student nurse at the Knox Community College.

McFarlane said that she believes in giving back and helping others around her to develop. Her fellow student nurse Judi-Ann Rhule, of the Caribbean School of Nursing, placed third.

 ... 'Great hope for the future'

Executive Deputy Chairman of LASCO Affiliated Companies Peter Mark Chin has lauded the exceptional qualities of the recipients at Saturday's LASCO/Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ) Awards.

"The resumes of the awardees here give me great hope for the future," stated Chin, who is also managing director of LASCO Distributors Ltd.

"In spite of all the challenges, nurses continue to go the extra mile beyond the proverbial call of duty. LASCO, and indeed all Jamaica, appreciates your service. The over $6 million LASCO invests in the nurse and student of the year programmes for 2018 is testimony to our support for you and your community outreach projects."

LASCO partnered with the NAJ in 1999 in hosting the National Nurse of the Year Programme. The initiative is geared at celebrating the contributions of nurses and highlighting outstanding individuals in the profession islandwide. The awards banquet on Saturday culminated National Nurses Week.